You know you’re onto a winner when your reluctant-to-conform-to-change-rexona-loving-old-school-I’m-gonna-do-it-how-my-mum-did-it husband uses a handmade, natural, and chemical-free spray deodorant and it WORKS!
I will admit, it took a while to get him off the supermarket crap as there was no way he was going to rub a balm into his hairy pits. I kinda don’t blame him and kudos to you, if you or your husband are happy with the balm; keep using it! A spray was so much easier to gently persuade him, and I imagine it would be a hit among the teenagers too.
This spray deodorant formula is a LONG time coming. I have used it flat out over the past few months and even after a game of netball in goal attack, still no stink. My husband says by the very end of a long day he may smell a little, but then follows with the recollection that he had the same effect from commercial sprays too.
Read this blog for tips on transitioning to natural deodorant. Happy spraying!
Spray Deodorant with Magnesium
Makes: 80 g Prep time: < 5 min.
Ingredients
- 15 g hot water (see recipe notes)
- 15 g magnesium chloride flakes
- 50 g witch hazel
- 20 drops of essential oils
My Choice of Essential Oils
My favourite essential oils in this recipe are tea tree, patchouli and lemongrass, but don’t be limited by my suggestions. Use oils that fit your budget, or those that you already have in your collection. Read here for more information on essential oils.
Method
1. Add hot water and magnesium to a bowl and mix until all magnesium has dissolved.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix until combined.
3.Transfer into a bottle (with spray atomiser).
To Use
Apply 1-2 sprays under each arm, onto clean armpits. Since oil and water don’t mix, you’ll need to shake well prior to each use.
Recipe Notes
Water should be distilled, purified or pre-boiled and cooled to extend shelf life.
If you remove hair prior to applying deodorant, you may feel a sting. It does subside but I recommend removing hair at night, and not applying anything until morning.
Click here for my magnesium oil recipe and notes on the benefits of magnesium.
19 Comments
Hi! Can you use it as a roll-on instead of a spray bottle? Thank you.
You can try but it’ll be quite watery – I didn’t like it. You could try my paste recipe in a twist-tube as a compromise? Depending on the weather where you live, you may need to add a little extra beeswax to keep it quite solid in the tube. Good luck x
https://krissyballinger.com.au/recipes/natural-deodorant-paste/
Hi,
Which brand witch hazel did you use? I am unable to find a good option. Could you please link it here?
Are you in Australia? Try Leonardi: https://www.leonardi.com.au/witch-hazel-extract-100-organic-natural-astringent
Hello!
Sorry if this is silly to ask but I’ve tried googling and want to make sure I make this correctly. What would be the US conversions for this recipe. Is it 1/8 cup water and magnesium flakes and 6 tablespoons witch hazel?
The most accurate and consistent way to make my recipes is with digital scales – do you have access to any? In saying that, for this recipe there is no need to be specific. Roughly 1 tbsp hot water, 1 tbsp magnesium chloride flakes and 3 tbsp witch hazel. Happy DIYing!
I don’t own a digital scale but will be getting one now. I appreciate you providing conversions!
If using magnesium oil, what quantity would you use?
Swap out the magnesium flakes and the hot water (so 30 grams/mls).
Such a winner, we use this daily, and it keeps our magnesium levels healthy. Never travel without it either.
HI, I’ve just found your site, which has inspired me to try out some of the recipes and begin to make some changes!
Do you use purchased Witch hazel as an alcohol free liquid in your recipe?
Can you make your own witch hazel as a tincture or decoction from the botanicals?
Do you have a recipe for making your own liquid witch hazel ?
Thank you
Yay, welcome!Some info from this link (https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/index-of-natural-ingredients/) – Witch hazel is an astringent, meaning that it tightens pores. It is softening and calming to the skin as well as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. I prefer witch hazel that is alcohol-free, mainly because I find alcohol is drying to the skin. I don’t have a recipe for making your own but I’m sure you’ll find one via a quick Google search. Happy making!
This stuff is amazing- I did two yoga classes in a heatwave and still no bad odour- don’t know what took me so long to make this recipe. I knew it would be a winner & it’s so simple to put together- love it. Will go into constant list now – thanks again
Hi what is the shelf life of this? Is there any way to extend it other than purified water?
This info will help re shelf life > https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/preservatives-shelf-life-and-safety-information/
What purpose does the witch hazel have in this recipe please
Hi Tan. Witch hazel is an astringent, meaning that it tightens pores. It is softening and calming to the skin as well as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. I prefer witch hazel that is alcohol-free, mainly because I find alcohol is drying to the skin.
Hi, I love your website it has been a great inspiration for me to get started.
I have a question regarding the deodorant spray, I currently have a magnesium oil, is that the same as magnesium chloride flakes?
Thanks Sophia, love hearing that! Magnesium oil is magnesium flakes and water, so sub both those out and go for it x